Best Ski Vacation Destinations – Jackson Hole

With Grand Teton National Park to the north and miles of national forest in every other direction, the Jackson Hole valley has remained relatively isolated from the burgeoning travel industry.

Instead it has survived on local industries like logging, ranching and, during the 19th century, fur trading.

But recently, Jackson Hole has encouraged the rise of tourism.

Former blue-collar settlements like Jackson and Grand Teton now boast notable art and performance venues, and mega ski resorts have transformed the region into an up-and-coming winter wonderland.

When planning an opulent getaway, many people don’t give western Wyoming a thought.

Sure, you won’t encounter the glitz and glam of Aspen or Lake Tahoe, but the beauty and vastness of the Jackson Hole region has caught the attention of Hollywood celebs like Harrison Ford and politicos like former Vice President Dick Cheney.

Yet, even with its fresh and luxurious upgrade, Jackson Hole remains first and foremost the heart of mountain country, with rugged trails and miles of open space that recall a time before the West was won.

Best Hotels in Jackson Hole

Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler
Fairmont Chateau Whistler
Nita Lake Lodge

Best Things to Do in Jackson Hole

Whistler Blackcomb
Whistler Village
Valley Trail

Best Ski Vacation Destinations – Vail

Don’t let Vail’s small size or remote location fool you.

This is one of the most beloved cold-weather destinations in the country for one reason: skiing.

Sandwiched between the Gore Mountain Range to the north and the Sawatch Mountain Range to the south, this narrow valley is home to several notable ski areas, including one of the country’s largest single-mountain resorts.

Jagged peaks, miles of slopes and perfect powder attract thousands of visitors every year, earning Vail a noteworthy place among Colorado’s other winter heavyweights, Aspen and Telluride.

What’s more, it’s an ideal jumping off point for the best Colorado snowmobile tours.

Plus, Vail’s expertly manicured slopes – as well as its luxury hotels, spas and restaurants – frequently welcome A-listers like Will Smith, Cameron Diaz and Justin Timberlake.

That being said, this is a hard city for those on a shoestring budget.

The gorgeous scenery is accompanied by bank-busting hotel rates and lift tickets.

The only way to avoid these prices is to sidestep the slopes, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

Visit during the summer and you’ll discover a variety of ways to enjoy the mountains, from hiking and biking to horseback riding and even whitewater rafting.

Best Hotels in Vail

The Sebastian – Vail
The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch
Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa

Best Things to Do in Vail

Vail Hiking
Vail Ski Resort
Betty Ford Alpine Gardens

Best Ski Vacation Destinations – Aspen

In terms of winter wonderland status, few destinations can compare to Aspen.

This scenic mountain town is straight out of a snow globe, featuring picturesque mountain chalets hugged by the soaring Colorado Rockies.

Of course, the main draw here is skiing and there are four premier ski areas nearby that cater to powder hounds of all levels. It’s also a great jumping off point for some of the best Colorado snowmobile tours.

But there’s more to Aspen than winter sports.

With high-end shopping, fascinating museums, funky galleries and fun festivals, it might be a struggle to make it to the slopes.

No matter how you choose to spend your time here, it will be a vacation you’ll never forget.

For several decades now, this village has been the diamond in the Roaring Fork Valley, and we’re not just talking figuratively.

This small ski town has long been a respite for the rich and famous, with high-end resorts like The Little Nell and Viceroy Snowmass luring celebs with the promise of luxurious privacy.

But don’t let the possibility of sticker shock keep you away; instead, you can offset the high cost of deluxe lodging by simply enjoying your surroundings.

Some of Aspen’s most popular sites – like Maroon Bells – come to us from Mother Earth, who doesn’t charge admirers a cent.

Best Hotels in Aspen

The Little Nell
Hotel Jerome, Auberge Resorts Collection
Viceroy Snowmass

Best Things to Do in Aspen

Maroon Bells
Independence Pass
Snowmass

Best Ski Vacation Destinations – Park City

Park City is known for three things: skiing, snowboarding and the Sundance Film Festival.

Located 35 miles southeast of Salt Lake City, Park City is easily accessible and home to a wide range of accommodations that attract throngs of vacationers during the winter season.

Sandwiched between two premier resorts, Deer Valley and Park City Mountain, this former mining town sits in the shadow of the rugged Wasatch Mountain Range.

In 2002, both resorts hosted events during the Winter Olympics, and the Utah Olympic Park, which sits just north of the main street, is still a major training facility for winter athletes, including the United States Ski Team.

But you don’t have to be an Olympian to experience all that Park City has to offer. Stroll down the city’s charming Historic Park City area or visit the High West Distillery and Saloon.

For family fun, grab your warmest winter gear for an afternoon of snow tubing at Gorgoza Park.

And after a long day schussing the slopes (or lounging in the lodge), enjoy the city’s bustling après-ski scene.

Best Hotels in Park City

Montage Deer Valley
The Lodge at Blue Sky, Auberge Resorts Collection
Stein Eriksen Lodge

Best Things to Do in Park City

Historic Park City
Deer Valley Resort
Utah Olympic Park

Best Ski Vacation Destinations – Lake Tahoe

Incredible, extraordinary, mind-boggling.

Resting on the California-Nevada border, Lake Tahoe has long been a favorite vacation spot, welcoming about 15 million visitors each year.

Travelers are drawn here by the steep granite cliff sides and towering mountaintops, as well as the crystal-clear waters that have earned Lake Tahoe the reputation of being one of the most beautiful bodies of water in the United States.

While the stunning blue lake alone is worth a trip, the surrounding area, also known as Lake Tahoe, boasts miles of hiking trails, dozens of picture-perfect vistas and some of the best skiing in North America.

Lake Tahoe seems to have adopted the major traits of its neighbors.

You’ll find San Francisco-style high-end shopping and dining along the lake’s north shore, while opportunities to test your luck reside in the south shore’s Reno-esque casinos.

Best Hotels in Lake Tahoe

The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe
The Lodge at Edgewood Tahoe
The Landing Resort & Spa

Best Things to Do in Lake Tahoe

Emerald Bay State Park
Sand Harbor State Park
Donner Memorial State Park and Emigrant Trail Museum

Best Ski Vacation Destinations – Whistler

Snow-capped peaks and powdered steeps; sparkling lakes and gushing waterfalls; challenging hiking trails and inviting restaurants – Whistler’s offerings suit every season.

However, its most popular attraction remains Whistler Blackcomb,.

The massive resort spans more than 8,100 acres of land, sees nearly 40 feet of snowfall annually and boasts some of the most active après-ski spots in North America.

The entire town, which sits about 75 miles north of Vancouver, embodies the ski-chic atmosphere, hosting dozens of ski and snowboard competitions and festivals annually.

Whistler continues to buzz through the warmer months, when more outdoor enthusiasts come out to play.

Visitors can try bobsledding, or hiking and biking up the mountains.

And those who come to town looking for photo-ops will find plenty.

The Coast Mountains offer a picture-perfect setting: You’ll find the best views on a ride on the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, which spans Whistler and Blackcomb mountains.

While Whistler is an ideal vacation spot for the active types, more mellow travelers will enjoy the area’s museums and art galleries that are filled with informative exhibits.

Plus, the town boasts family-friendly activities and attractions like ice skating, summer concerts and the Whistler Sliding Centre, along with plenty of shopping options and a deluge of dining venues.

With pristine ski spots and plenty of outdoor pursuits, you’ll see why so many just want to grab their gear and get to Whistler.

Best Hotels in Whistler

Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler
Fairmont Chateau Whistler
Nita Lake Lodge

Best Things to Do in Whistler

Whistler Blackcomb
Whistler Village
Valley Trail

Best Ski Vacation Destinations – St. Moritz

There’s nothing more thrilling than seeing St. Moritz’s closest mountain, Corviglia, covered in radiant white powder snow.

Corviglia is not only the birthplace of Alpine winter sports, it is also responsible for the start of winter tourism over 150 years ago.

St. Moritz is one of the best winter sports regions in the world, so it’s no surprise that it has already hosted two Winter Olympic Games and five Alpine Ski World Championships.

Altogether, the region boasts an incredible 87 pistes that all conform to World Cup quality standards.

Host of the 1928 and 1948 Winter Olympics, and flush with shopping and fine dining options, St. Moritz has been a standard for elegance, class and sporting excellence for decades.

Given the Alpine town’s enviable location in the Swiss Alps, it’s easy to discern why its winter offerings garner such acclaim.

St. Moritz Ski Resort’s 56 lifts give travelers access to five ski areas and numerous trails of varying difficulties.

What’s more, the resort offers 115 miles of cross-country trails around the accompanying town.

Best Hotels in St. Moritz

Badrutt’s Palace Hotel
Kulm Hotel
Carlton Hotel

Best Things to Do in St. Moritz

St. Moritz-Celerina Olympia Bob Run
Engadine Museum
The Glacier Express

Best Ski Vacation Destinations – Mont Tremblant

Located within Mont-Tremblant National Park in Canada’s Quebec province, Mont-Tremblant Resort attracts powder hounds with 100-plus runs spread across 755 acres.

While Mont-Tremblant Resort is the only notable ski destination in the area, its four distinct slopes – which feature powder made with more than 1,200 snow-making machines – are sure to keep most skiers and snowboarders entertained.

When winter sports enthusiasts need a break from the slopes, they can explore Mount-Tremblant’s small Centre-Ville area, which offers a variety of places to eat, drink and shop.

Best Hotels in Mont Tremblant

Hôtel Quintessence
Fairmont Tremblant
Le Westin Resort & Spa, Tremblant, Quebec

Best Things to do in Mont Tremblant

Ice Climbing
Tubing
Snowmobiling